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The Grand Escape - Why Grandparents should choose UK breaks to make lasting memories with Grandchildren

Tuesday 03/10/2017

Following National Grandparents Day Parkdean Resorts has enlisted the support of five regional tourist boards to celebrate why the UK is great for multigenerational breaks.

‘3G’ groups were amongst the 500,000 holidaymakers the UK’s largest holiday park operator welcomed last year, giving families the chance to spend quality time together – the most common reason for multigenerational holidays according to a recent survey by Saga Travel Insurance*.

Parkdean Resorts has identified Cornwall, the Isle of Wight, Norfolk, Northumberland and Essex as increasingly popular regions for grandparents, parents and grandchildren to seek adventure during a break, away from the distractions of school, work and everyday routines.

Self-catering staycations can be a cost-effective option bookable all-year-round, with holiday parks home to spacious accommodation fitted with essentials, as well as a variety of facilities and activities all ages can appreciate – especially as grandparents are often enjoying more active retirements.

John Waterworth, chief executive of Parkdean Resorts, said: “Some of my best memories of my grandparents are from holidays altogether in Cornwall, as well as at the caravan they owned in the North East. We explored the local areas, spent endless days at the beach and played board games on the rare occasion it rained. It still makes me feel a great sense of happiness when I think of those fond memories to this day.

“Caravan holidays have changed a lot since then, but their appeal for multigenerational breaks remains the same. We’re keen to encourage families to holiday together and enjoy uninterrupted moments, and are pleased to have partnered with a number of the UK’s tourist boards who share the same values, highlighting some of the best regions for ‘3G’ breaks.”

Surrounding areas also have plenty to discover as highlighted by the five tourist boards, encouraging children and teens to ditch tech and engage in exciting experiences, making life-long memories with loved ones, from crabbing in Looe Harbour to paddle boarding on the Isle of Wight.

Visit Cornwall recommends families walk across the causeway to St Michael’s Mount, go to Pendennis Castle and play knights and kings, explore the streets and alleyways of St Ives, take a ferry trip out of Falmouth and tuck into some Cornish pasties.

Malcolm Bell, chief executive of Visit Cornwall, said: “Cornwall is a unique destination as it attracts the senior market, families and is loved by children, making it an ideal place for a holiday with three generations in tow.

“There’s nothing better than families holidaying altogether at the place where grandad and grandma used to take their children, seeing their grandkids play on the same beach. It is the ultimate nostalgia trip.”

Visit Isle of Wight recommends cycling along the family-friendly Red Squirrel Trail, trying out water sports from sailing to waterskiing, getting aboard the Isle of Wight Steam Railway and meeting dinosaurs at Dinosaur Isle.

David Thornton, chief executive of Visit Isle of Wight, said: “The Isle of Wight is packed with history and adventure from dinosaurs to pirates, making it a destination full of discovery that will excite thrill-seeking teenagers as much as mini explorers, parents and grandparents.

“The Island’s exciting natural environment is the perfect holiday playground, and is just four miles from the mainland. There really is something to keep the whole family happy come rain or shine.”

Visit Norfolk recommends going under the sea at Sea Life Great Yarmouth, animal spotting at Banham Zoo, going on a boat cruise on the Broads, playing hide and seek in Thetford Forest and heading out on a steam train on The Poppy Line.

Pete Waters, manager of Visit Norfolk, said: “Norfolk is a great region for 3G breaks as its natural and built capital are ideal for all ages to enjoy, with accommodation providers increasingly catering for multiple generations holidaying together. Not only do 3G breaks help to spread the cost, but also provide an opportunity for quality time, sometimes not always easy to do with busy schedules or families living far apart.

“Regardless of the season, Norfolk’s 93 miles of coastline are always great to explore, as well as the variety of visitor attractions which have invested in weather-proofing their facilities in recent years to ensure a great day out irrespective of the weather.”

Visit Northumberland recommends exploring nature and history at Belsay Hall Castle and Gardens, learning about the county’s Roman heritage at the Roman Army Museum next to one of the most complete sections of Hadrian’s Wall, and heading to Bamburgh Beach to build sandcastles or marvel in the beauty of Bamburgh Castle.

Jude Leitch, director at Visit Northumberland, said: “We prefer the slower pace of life in Northumberland, making it the perfect place for an unforgettable multigenerational holiday - whatever the time of year. From the gardens of our stately homes and castles bursting into bloom in spring, to the darkest skies in Europe twinkling with thousands of stars in the winter, there’s something for all interests and ages.

“Generations have lived as part of the Northumberland landscape for centuries, creating a rich heritage and protecting a way of life together. We hope visitors to the county will discover the warmth of our welcome, and return time and time again to holiday together as a family unit.”

Visit Essex recommends spending the day at Colchester Zoo, taking a trip to Osea Island to appreciate scenery that rivals overseas landscapes, exploring Dedham Vale – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and tucking into fish and chips and ice creams on a traditional day at the seaside at Southend-on-Sea, Clacton-on-Sea or Mersea Island.

Carol Jolly, tourism marketing & PR manager at Visit Essex, said: “In Essex we are extremely lucky to have a bit of everything - an amazing coastline, wonderful rolling countryside, quaint villages and inspiring towns, as well as over 450 visitor attractions ranging from beautiful historic houses to galleries, museums and theme parks.

“I believe visitors to Essex will be pleasantly surprised by what we have to offer and will enjoy the many different facets of our wonderful county whatever their age, making us a go-to destination for families enjoying holidays together.”

In line with National Grandparents Day, Parkdean Resorts is offering grandparents and families looking to book a multigenerational break a 10% saving on selected spring and early summer 2018 holidays at any of its holiday parks. The discount is available on bookings made between 01 October and 22 October 2017, by using code 3GHOL when booking online. Minimum price after offer is applied is £99 on breaks and £149 on seven night stays. Cannot be used with any other discount.